Drepung Monastery – the political centre before Potala Palace

Drepung Monastery in the outskirt of Lhasa was built by the Gelung (Yellow) School of Tibetan Buddhism in 1416. It is built by the slop of Gambo Utse Mountain with a total area of 25,000 sqm, with over 10,000 monks during its peak time.

The Drepung Monastery is the mother monastery of the Dalai Lamas. The 1st to the 5th Dalai Lama had resided in Drepung Monastery before the 5th Dalai Lama moved to the Potala Palace. The famous Sho Dun Festival, where huge Tanka will be displayed is also organized at the Drepung Monastery, attracting pilgrims and visitors.